A former Coles County assistant state’s attorney is facing bribery and misconduct charges alleging he solicited sexual contact, photos and videos from women who were defendants with the understanding they would receive preferential treatment in their cases.
Brady Allen, 33, now lives in Missouri but is from Charleston. He was assistant state’s attorney for Coles County from December 2018 until August 2020.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul said Friday that Allen has been charged with 32 counts of misconduct over interactions he had in his official capacity with three women between the ages of 18 and 35. The attorney general’s office filed charges that include nine counts of bribery, one count of witness harassment, 21 counts of official misconduct and one count of witness intimidation. All of the charges are felonies.
Illinois State Police investigated the claims that, while in office, Allen had inappropriate text, email, phone and social media communications that were sexual in nature with women he was prosecuting or had prosecuted. Investigators contend Allen suggested he could influence others at the state’s attorney’s office.
Raoul alleges that, when the behavior was discovered, Allen offered to pay one woman’s fines and court costs if she would convince another woman not to pursue claims against him.
Allen turned himself in to authorities Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest, according to authorities.
“The Illinois State Police Special Investigations Unit is dedicated to seeking out those who abuse their position and power to take advantage of others,” Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly said. “With Attorney General Raoul, ISP will continue to pursue cases of misconduct and corruption.”
If convicted, Allen could face up to seven years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
“As a prosecutor who has sworn to uphold the law, I am shocked and outraged that a fellow prosecutor would allegedly use that authority to manipulate and victimize women in the community,” Raoul said. “I appreciate the continued collaboration of the Illinois State Police, which investigated this complex case. I am absolutely committed to holding public employees accountable for using their positions to take advantage of the residents they are supposed to serve.”
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